📍 Campi Flegrei

The Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei) are a volcanic caldera west of Naples in Campania. It is a huge collapsed volcanic bowl with dozens of craters, some of which lie under the water of the Gulf of Naples. The Solfatara crater, from which gases rise, is here too. The area is part of Campania, and Vesuvius lies a few kilometres to the east.

Vineyards grow on volcanic sands, tuff and ash. Phylloxera settled poorly in such soils, so old vines on their own roots can be found. The climate is warm and maritime, so grapes ripen well.

The main grapes are the white Falanghina and the red Piedirosso, which locals call "pigeon's foot" (per' 'e palummo). Falanghina gives fresh, aromatic whites, and Piedirosso gives light reds with a volcanic mineral note. The wines are sold under the Campi Flegrei appellation.

Grapes were already grown here in antiquity, and the towns of Cumae and Pozzuoli were important ports. Today the vineyards sit next to city districts, and the wines of this area go well with Neapolitan food. The caldera has 24 craters and volcanic cones, most of them under the waters of the Gulf of Naples, and part of Naples is built right on it.